MMAjunkie.com today confirmed the bookings with KO Dynasty, a management firm that’s sent many fighters to the Texas-based promotion.

However, rather than Texas, Shark Fights 18 takes place at John Ascuaga’s Nugget in Reno, Nev. The event airs via delay on Fuel TV and marks the promotion’s debut in Nevada.

Nelson, a cast member on “The Ultimate Fighter 8,” won his first two UFC fights (over Aaron Riley and George Roop) to move his overall win streak to eight fights. However, following subsequent losses to Riley (the first bout ended with a controversial TKO stoppage) and Matt Wiman, the Hawaiian fighter received his walking papers in 2009. After a 15-month layoff, he returned at a regional show in Australia and submitted Jai Bradney (10-5-1 at the time) earlier this year.

He now meets Wetherspoon, a Southern California fighter and longtime King of the Cage competitor. The Millennia MMA fighter suffered a submission loss to Anthony Lapsley in 2008 and took off more than two years from the sport. Back in February, though, he made his return and earned a decision victory over Nick Reale (7-5 at the time).

Newton, meanwhile, recently picked up his third straight victory with a unanimous-decision victory over Ilir Latifi at Shark Fights 17. The MFC and IFL veteran, who recently discussed his 140-mph motorcycle accident in an MMAjunkie.com “Fight Path” feature, defeated former UFC fighter Rodney Wallace in his previous bout at MFC 28.

He looks to continue the momentum against Alaskan fighter Shivers, who owns a three-fight win streak of his own. A veteran of his home state’s burgeoning fight circuit, he’s won his past four fights via submission. The latest came via armbar over KOTC vet Tony Lopez.

Additional Shark Fights 18 bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

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